food IS a theme park
Disneyland’s Big Thunder Ranch BBQ has always been one of my favorites. When I heard that it would be closing for good on January 11th, 2016, (in order to make room for Star Wars Land) I knew that I needed to plan a few visits.
Big Thunder Ranch BBQ
In the midst of the big Disneyland 60th Celebration, we keep getting surprised with so many fun treats! On July 1st, the Disneyland Resort introduced a line of S’mores treats that are not to be missed. There are 4 fantastic new items that include a S’mores Marshmallow Wand, a S’mores Gourmet Caramel Apple, S’mores Bark, & a S’mores Rice Krispy Treat.
Marceline’s in Downtown Disney
On a recent trip to Downtown Disney, I visited Marceline’s and [Read more…]
There’s an iconic dessert in Disneyland that everyone’s got to try at least once. Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue offers giant cookie bakes for dessert, which are amazing; but they also offer a S’mores Bake built for a crowd!
Big Thunder Ranch BBQ
We had a chance to sample this dessert firsthand a while back.
S’more Bake at Big Thunder Ranch Barbecue
What makes this version of s’mores so fantastic? It takes your indulgence to the next level by making it on a base of Brownies. Brownies.
For ease, this recipe calls for a Brownie Mix to get you started. But you should absolutely feel free to substitute your favorite brownie recipe if you’d like to make the brownies from scratch. Either way, it’s pretty much guaranteed to be awesome.
Enjoy!
Serves 8
Ingredients:
1 (10.5-ounce) box fudge brownie mix
1 (1-pound) bag large marshmallows
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons hot fudge sauce, warmed
8 graham crackers
Instructions: [Read more…]
We love the cupcakes at Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and this week’s fun find was the new Simba Lion Cub Cupcake!
Lion Cub cupcake
In other news, find out why the Starbucks Epcot mugs were pulled from shelves, details on the Flower and Garden Festival, and more!
For all the details on the above news and more, just click on the links below!
Check out all the latest Disney Food News — even the stuff we don’t mention in posts on the blog! — on our Disney Food News Pin Board, including restaurant closures, and more!
We’ve got all the latest for you, so check it out before you go.
If you find a fun new food — or other edible awesomeness — in or about Disney, share a photo with us on facebook or twitter so we can add it to our DFB Reader Finds each Sunday!
Disney vacations offer some of our favorite hearty meals. Let’s take a look at savory plates sent in by our Facebook Friends. On the Disney Fantasy, Narda enjoyed this turkey and dressing entree.
Turkey and the fixings on Disney Fantasy
Or maybe we should throw in a sweet with our savory?! Yep, I think so too. Darren sent in a picture of the Lobster Roll and Blueberry Cobbler from Columbia Harbour House in the Magic Kingdom. That cobbler looks ah-mazing!!!
Lobster Roll and Blueberry Cobbler
Do you have a favorite sweet or savory? Share your Disney food photos!
We’re celebrating the grand launch of The DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2015 e-Book! This valuable resource is fully updated for 2015-16 Disney vacations, and is now available for purchase and download to help you make the most of your dining plans while in Disney World.
The fully updated DFB Guide to Walt Disney World® Dining 2015 e-Book is an instantly downloadable PDF guide, featuring over 490 full-color pages of photographs, information, and advice about our favorite subjects — food and dining in Walt Disney World.
It’s guaranteed to help you navigate your way to delicious dining on your next trip! And if you’re ready to get yours now, head on over to DFBStore.com to pick it up!!
For our Grand Launch Sale, use code: 2015 to get a $4 discount for a limited time! And at the end of this post, we have details on even more savings!
Note: If you purchased the 2014 Guide last year, scroll down for details on repeat purchase discounts.
It wasn’t all that long ago that we paid a visit to Herbie’s Drive-In to check out their Chili-Cheese Nachos with Pico de Gallo and Jalapeño.
In that post, we included a picture of Herbie’s current menu, and it stirred up a bit of curiosity about another item on the menu: Herbie’s take on S’mores. So, we’re back at the roundabout in the Streets of America of Hollywood Studios to give them a try!
You’ll find several twists on S’mores at snack stops and restaurants throughout Disney World, such as the Caramel S’more at Karamell-Küche, and the S’more served in a glass at Kringla Bakeri og Kafe. Sometimes you’ll even find a version tucked into the bakery case at the Main Street Confectionery.
At Herbie’s, though, the presentation is different. The ingredients most replicate that of a traditional S’more: marshmallow and chocolate completely enclosed in a graham “pocket” crust (which is also dotted with bits of chocolate).
Herbie’s Drive-in Menu
S’mores
As you might be able to gather from the photos you’re about to see, they’re a bit messy. But that didn’t really bug me since I consider that to be one of the hallmarks of a genuine S’more.
Inside the S’more
What’s cool about the S’mores at Herbie’s is that they’re served warm.
Wait — that doesn’t make sense ;). Let me rephrase that: what’s neat and unique about the S’mores here is that they are warm — not fresh-out-of-the-fryer hot, but nicely warm, which [Read more…]
It’s always a good day when we get to try ANYTHING at Karamell-Küche… and, we’ve got some awesome new-to-us treats for you today!
I stopped by the Germany Pavilion recently with the sole intention of grabbing a Chewy Caramel Shortbread Bar, but simply had to take a peek first into that bakery case chock full of golden caramel goodness. And…we found new stuffs!!
So, what’s new at the Caramel Kitchen, you ask?
Among the items that have arrived since my most recent visit were Vanilla and Chocolate Cakeballs, Caramel Gingersnaps, Caramel Bacon Squares (what WHAT?), and Caramel S’mores.
Caramel Gingersnap and Caramel S’more in bakery case
Chocolate Cakeball in bakery case
Caramel Bacon Square next to Caramel and Milk Chocolate in bakery case
Umm… did somebody say “BACON”? Clearly, I altered my order right away to grab a Caramel Bacon Square ;). I asked for a Caramel S’more, too, while I was at it!
Caramel S’more and Caramel Bacon Square
Sweet stuff with a touch of good ol’ bacon isn’t a mixture that’s unique to Karamell-Küche. You can find it in things like Everything Pop’s King Cupcake and Peanut Butter, Banana, and Candied Bacon Pie at BoardWalk Bakery.
What’s the Karamell-Küche take on this combo? From the outside, the Caramel Bacon Square looks a lot like the other chocolate-covered caramels in the case, only with [Read more…]
It’s been a looong time since we reviewed 50s Prime Time Cafe, which is strange as it’s one of my favorite restaurants!
If you have ever wanted to escape into a 1950s sitcom, then you must give this spot a try.
Located in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, it’s a fun hybrid of good comfort food with immersive entertainment. And you’re one of the stars (of course)!
I don’t get to dine here as much as I would like, but Wendy and I managed to squeeze in an advance dining reservation on a recent trip to Walt Disney World.
Come along while we take a tour, and stick around to see what’s for dinner!
And we will get to dinner soon enough. We have lots to show you! But first, let’s take a look around.
The retro, Mid-20th Century vibe comes across as soon as you lay eyes on the sign. Check out the antennae!
50s Prime Time Sign
Head in to the podium and let the hostess know that you’re there, and prepare yourself to be embraced like kin. Because you’ve just acquired a whole bunch of new cousins. Why? Well, when you step into 50s Prime Time, everyone here is a family member! Mom’s in the kitchen, and you’re usually being served by one of your cousins, aunts, or uncles. Really cute concept.
When your table is called, listen for your last name: “Wolfe Kids! Time for dinner!” (And don’t dilly-dally; you WILL get a talking to if you take your sweet time to come to the table.)
Before that happens though, have a look around. There’s TONS to see. The waiting room is fashioned after Dad’s Domain. You can practically see the slippers and smell the pipe smoke. 🙂
Waiting Area…Dad’s Living Room
50s Prime Time also plays host to The Tune-In Lounge. This is a great bar. Beyond the vintage feel, I love that you can sit here and order from the 50s Prime Time Cafe menu! So if you can’t get an ADR, don’t despair; the digs here are pretty comfy and the bartenders are always great.
The Tune In Lounge
There’s additional seating allocated to The Tune-In Lounge as well if all the bar seats are full.
Another Living Room for Dad — and Additional Tune In Lounge Seating
But…the stuff! It’s everywhere. I know you have a relative somewhere who holds onto all manner of knick knacks — that person clearly decorated 50s Prime Time.
Be sure to look at it all — the vintage appliances, the tchotchkes. There’s such a sense of the familiar here, and I figure it’s because if you look long enough, you will find something you recognize from childhood if you’re as old as I am.
Just Like Your Grandparents’ House, Right?
See what I mean?
50s Prime Time Cafe Decor
Seating areas continue the throwback feel, and of course you’re sitting in the kitchen, not the dining room. There’s formica and vinyl everywhere!
One of the 50s Prime Time Cafe Dining Rooms
Even in the kitchen you’ll find [Read more…]
We are checking out some new finds — and taking a look at an old favorite! — at Kringla Bakeri og Kafe.
This quaint (read: tiny) spot in Epcot’s Norway Pavilion has a big cult following for interesting pastries and sandwiches. And it’s a great spot to try something a little out of the ordinary on your Drink Around the World stroll — Aquavit!
But today, we’re a sampling a few sweet treats that are new to us, plus one snack that we absolutely can’t visit Kringla without getting! Three guesses? 😉
Let’s take a closer look.
Our first item is another entry into the wildly popular Frozen food team! It’s a Frozen-themed Bundt Cake.
You’d have to imagine that Elsa and Anna had a hand in putting this one together, since they both love chocolate. (Smart women that they are.)
It doesn’t look all that spectacular, does it? Just rich, Dark Chocolate Cake, Blue Icing, Coarse Sugar for a little crunch, and a Frozen Souvenir Ring in the shape of a snowflake.
Frozen Bundt Cake
But it’s ah-MA-zing! I was shocked. I left it to eat until last as I thought it would be forgettable. But it super wasn’t. In fact, I still haven’t forgotten about it, and hope it’s there when I go back to Disney World next!
Frozen Bundt Cake — Cross Section
Just look at the dense, decadent cake! You actually don’t need frosting. (Whaaaa? Did I just say that??) It’s almost like a cross between a cake and fudge. So good!
The next new treat I tried was the Brown Goat Cheese Waffle. I love Cheese, and I love the Waffles here at Kringla. So hey, why not?
The waffle is filled and topped with a traditional Norwegian Cheese called Ekte Geitost. It’s a type of Brunost, or “Brown Cheese” made from goat’s milk. The cheese is produced by boiling together milk, cream, and whey, until the sugars caramelize, giving the cheese its distinctive brown color and sweet flavor. See? You learned something today!
Brown Goat Cheese Waffle Display
Here’s my Brown Goat Cheese Waffle, freshly made. You can see the [Read more…]
We’re wandering the World in search of eats, sweets, and all sorts of treats! Join us for another trip around the World to find out What’s New!
In case you haven’t heard, Frozen Summer Fun is happening all over Hollywood Studios!
Elsa and Anna Letting It Go!
And of course this event includes a few extra snacks inspired by the film and its characters, such as specialty cupcakes (we loved the Olaf Carrot Cake), Sugar Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches, and specialty drinks.
Take-Along Olaf with Olaf Carrot Cake Cupcake
Sugar Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich
Arendelle Punch
Check out our review of the Frozen eats here!
Amidst the wintery fun, changes for the future are happening at Hollywood Studios, too. Rumor has it that the L.A. Prop Cinema Storage shop might just be the next Starbucks stop in the Parks. The refurbishment is scheduled to last until March 2015.
L.A. Cinema Prop Storage under refurbishment
“Pardon Our Dust”
Even if you missed Star Wars Weekends, you may not have entirely missed your opportunity to pick up some of the goodies! On a very recent visit, we spotted the Stormtrooper Souvenir Steins still available at Hey Howdy Hey Takeaway!
Stormtrooper Stein sign
Stormtrooper Stein
No telling how long they’ll last, so grab one while you still can!
is currently serving Grilled Fish Tacos.
Sunshine Seasons Menu
Grilled Fish Tacos
Looks like a future lunch to me!
Moving to World Showcase, the Refreshment Port is best known for being the current home of the Cronut, both regular and a la mode.
Epcot Refreshment Port
Cronut a la mode and regular cronut
However, it’s also recently added a new cocktail to its list of alcoholic beverages: the Dragon Berry Refresher featuring Bacardi Dragon Berry Rum.
Refreshment Port Drink Menu
In Mexico’s La Cava del Tequila, the Summer Special is the Ambhar Tamarindo Margarita, featuring Ambhar Blanco Tequila, tamarind pulp, orange liqueur and agave nectar. Oh, and a chili powder rim – YOW!
Ambhar Tamarindo Margarita
We’re always happy to have a reason to spend some extra time at La Cava, and it looks like there is more opportunity to do just that [Read more…]
It’s been quite some time since I’d been over to the Big Thunder Ranch BBQ. My rib-loving son had been begging to go over there for some time, so it worked out that we were able to squeeze in a lunch date with a friend about a month ago.
Big Thunder Ranch BBQ
The menu is basically the same, minus the BBQ sausage in the meat bucket; but there are some new dessert options that I was not familiar with. Hello S’mores Bake!
S'mores Bake on the Menu
Warm chocolate brownie topped with roasted marshmallows, graham crackers and hot fudge? Seriously? No twisting my arm necessary for this one and it wasn’t hard to get my kid and my friend Katherine on board either.
The only downfall is that this dessert takes at least 20 minutes to prepare, so just go ahead and order it when you sit down. That way it will be ready for you before your feast begins to settle and you get too full to eat dessert.
You wouldn’t want that to happen because this situation is worth eating yourself sick for…
The S'mores Bake: Isn't it gorgeous?
The S’mores bake is served up in a HOT skillet. The brownie underneath is moist and gooey, the marshmallows are perfectly caramelized, the graham crackers are crunchy, and the hot fudge is [Read more…]
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
